Telegram CEO Pavel Durov arrested in Paris

Pavel Durov, the Russian-born billionaire founder of Telegram, was arrested in Paris following his arrival on a private jet, sparking international attention and concern. Durov, who also has French and UAE citizenship, faces a preliminary investigation for alleged crimes committed through his messaging app’s lack of moderation. Despite backlash and calls for his release, Elon Musk among the critics, Durov remains in custody with the investigation led by French authorities.

Telegram, with close to one billion users, has become a significant platform in Russia and former Soviet states, attracting attention from governments and analysts alike. Durov’s arrest, coupled with the app’s role in the Ukraine conflict, has further heightened scrutiny on the platform’s privacy and security policies. With supporters advocating for his release and opponents condemning his actions, Durov’s situation underscores the complex intersection of technology, free speech, and geopolitical tensions in the digital age.